At their March meeting, United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County board members sent letters to businesses and individuals who contributed in the past, requesting their support for the arts in 2020. Participating members were (from left, seated) Sally Ulrich, Shane Hawkins, Julie Newell, (standing) Rick Davis, Joe Braeger, Elizabeth Bush, and Richard Hartling. Submitted Photo.

JAMESTOWN – Board members of the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County (UAA) kicked off their 2020 fund drive in March.

They sent letters to previous donors, requesting their support again for the hundreds of concerts, performances, classes, and exhibits UAA organizations present each year.

President Julie Newell observed, “Chautauqua County is fortunate to have such a wealth of arts opportunities. Not only do the arts enrich our lives and personal experiences, they contribute to our economic well-being, bring in visitors, generate thousands of tax dollars, and make our county more attractive to prospective investors, professionals, and employees.”

Newell added, “For our young people, arts participation raises SAT scores, improves academic performance and problem-solving skills, and helps redirect at-risk students.”

Contributors to the United Arts Appeal sustain the work of:

¯ Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet: instruction and dance programs

¯ Community Music Project: Chautauqua Chamber Singers, CMP Chorale, and Children’s Music Studio

¯ 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center: presenting a wide variety of programs in music, theatre, film, and dance

¯ Infinity Visual and Performing Arts: a creative youth development program and community arts center

¯ Jamestown Concert Association: performances by internationally renowned musicians

¯ Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown: live theater productions, Junior Guilders, and Children Sing

¯ Western New York Chamber Orchestra: orchestral performances and educational programs

¯UAA’s Projects Pool Grants Program: awarding smaller grants to individual artists and community-based arts projects

The United Arts Appeal acknowledges its supporters in numerous ways.

Every contributor is listed on the UAA’s website and in the printed programs of all member organizations, where they are seen by thousands of audience members.

Depending on their level of support, additional recognitions include links to the donor’s website, being featured on posters in the lobbies of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown and the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center, free cinema admissions, and more. Details are on the Support UAA page at UnitedArtsAppeal.org.

In 2019 the United Arts Appeal received major support from Chautauqua County, the Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, and the Hultquist and Holmberg Foundations.

Major contributors to the UAA’s 2019 fund drive were Patrons Lyndon and Melanie Gritters, Mark and Donna Hampton, and Rick and Terry Turner. Special Gifts were given by M. L. Feather, Hope’s Windows Inc., Lake Shore Savings Bank, Dr. Bruce Rockwell, SKF, Thomas A. Turner C21 Turner Brokers, and Wegmans. Donors were Everydays True Value, Falconer Funeral Home, John and Margie Fuchs, LaBella Associates, Betsy and David Shepherd, Lois Strickler, Lissa and Sherwood VanDewark, and Weinberg Financial Group.

Businesses and individuals who want to strengthen the arts in Chautauqua County can send their contribution to the United Arts Appeal, P. O. Box 754, Jamestown, NY 14702.

Through April 15, the UAA is accepting applications for Projects Pool grants of up to $500. Chautauqua County artists and local non-profit arts and community organizations are eligible to apply. For details, visit the Grants page at UnitedArtsAppeal.org or click on the link on the United Arts Appeal’s Facebook page.